WWJD? More thoughts for Lent


What would Jesus do?

Years ago, people wore wristbands with the letters WWJD in bold print, serving to remind them how to handle matters in their daily routines. The fad didn’t last very long. I suspect that reason, in part, was that we didn’t like the answers.

I’m thinking of that during the season of Lent, an insightful period for those of us who follow Jesus. It started when I received a message from a transgender inmate last week. She’s in the body of a man, and residing in one of Michigan’s prison for men. I’ve known her for years and had sort of lost track of her.

If you think life is challenging for a person struggling with sexual identity, just imagine how much worse it is behind bars. Hell on earth!

And yet, when I approached a Christian professional in the field of psychology for some input, she sniffed, “Lots of luck with that!” End of discussion.

It’s no surprise to me that the life of Jesus was cut so short by dissidents, many of them a part of organized religion. I can’t say that he’d survive all that much better if he were here today.

But, Lent may be the perfect time to look at how he dealt with those who we might consider a bit different. Religious leaders walked away in shame after Jesus challenged the one with no guilt whatsoever to throw the first stone at the Stormy Daniels of their day. He ignored an invitation to dinner with the Koch brothers to enjoy a light supper and a glass of wine with a crooked tax collector. Foreigners, women, children---all considered second-class citizens in that day---seemed to be at the top of his list. Not to mention the poor, orphans, widows and (gasp) prisoners.

If HFP claims to serve inmates with Christian compassion, this means that many unpleasant, uncomplimentary and unkind thoughts must be put aside. Contrary to the Christian psychologist's snooty attitude, it is precisely the transgender inmate who needs our love and care. Same is true for the gays and lesbians who struggle mightily in the prison system. And if Jesus’ treatment of the criminal hanging on a cross next to him is any example, we’d better revise our thinking of how we treat those convicted of the most heinous crimes.

All created in the image of God.

All deserving humane care behind bars, regardless of sexual identity, regardless of race or religion, regardless of the alleged crime.

That’s our response in answer to the question WWJD.

Comments

Bob Bulten said…
Thanks, Doug. That message needs to be disseminated far and wide. Bob
March 13, 2018 at 5:57 AM
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